Meet the Christian Counseling Associates Team

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Executive Director

Mike Flynn, LCSW, BCD, TRX

Psychiatrist

Alla Lerner-Brandon, MD

Dr. Alla Lerner-Brandon is a Board Certified General Adult Psychiatrist who works with individuals who are 18 to 60 years old. Her clinical interests lie in working with individuals who have depression, anxiety, adjustment, or psychotic disorders. Having always been interested in becoming a physician, it was in medical school the Dr. Lerner-Brandon noticed the stigma attached to being a psychiatric patient. She could not accept that having a mental health problem is less acceptable than having a medical or surgical problem.Desiring not to be among the many people who overlook the very real pain experienced by those with psychological conditions.

Licensed Therapists

Earl Allen, LPC, MA, M. Div.

Earl has been with RGS since 2003 and works part-time due to a disability. He specializes in Family Systems and works with whole families as well as doing individual work in areas of Relationship issues, Panic and Generalized Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar and ADD/ADHD.
He runs two men's groups in addiction and relationship building. He leads a weekly group for panic and anxiety disorders. All aspects of his work are around Family systems issues. He also works with children and teens with ADD and ADHD using sand tray and clay as his mediums.

Pamela Banks, LPC, LSATP

Pamela is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Substance Abuse Practitioner (LSATP). Pamela has earned a Masters’ Degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Education. Pamela has worked as a middle school teacher prior to accepting her calling to work with individuals and couples that are struggling with mental, substance and relational issues. Pamela utilizes Cognitive Behavior therapy, Strength-Based practices, Solution Focused therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Pamela stated that her biggest accomplishment is that of wife to her handsome husband of 33 years, mother to her three intelligent children, and grandmother to her awesome grandson.

Susan Best, LCSW

Susan is a licensed clinical social worker with over 16 years experience in the mental health field, working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, addiction, and a host of other issues.  She received her Master’s in Social Work degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.  Susan works with adults age 21 and older, providing a safe, non-judgmental space and utilizing interventions from cognitive behavioral, strengths-based, and solution-focused approaches.  For those with Christian faith, she incorporates a worldview based on God’s character of loving-kindness, compassion, and restoration.  She looks forward to working with you in your journey towards growth and healing.

Cristina Brown, LPC , NCC, CT

Cristina worked as a missionary for two decades, mainly in French and Spanish speaking countries, visiting over 30 countries and living in three different continents. Her experience in getting to know diverse populations and cultures helped her to develop a special interest in encouraging those who were struggling. Their potential was evident and they were trying their best, but trauma and emotional roadblocks were hindering them from building healthy relationships, and achieving their dreams.

Laura Diemer, LCSW

Laura is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Masters in Social Work in 2012. As a counselor she has worked with clients of all ages, with a focus on young adult women and individuals working through life stage transitions. Laura operates from a strengths-based approach and incorporates interactive tangible tools and art therapy.

Laura is trained to evaluate ADHD and her practice includes an emphasis on helping clients manage their ADHD and Anxiety. She is in the process of becoming a Certified ADHD Professional (ADHD-CCSP).

Joshua Fair, LPC, MA

Joshua brings a wealth of life experience to Christian Counseling Associates. Prior to entering the counseling profession Josh served 28 years in the military. His military experience ranges from enlisted submarine service to deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as a cavalry officer. As a leader, he was often the first person a soldier or sailor would turn to for personal, marital or family help. His experience working with people from many different ethnic and cultural backgrounds has given Josh a deep respect for how people adapt and grow through the events of their lives.

Marilyn Hembrick, MA, LPC

Marilyn graduated from Liberty University with a Master of Arts degree in professional counseling. Marilyn has a Pastoral Care and Counseling diploma, a Certificate in Formational Prayer and is a Prepare/Enrich Facilitator. She has completed her training as a Certified Traumatologist. As a trauma therapist, she assists clients to get beyond the trauma and develop ways to cope with resulting emotions.

In counseling, Marilyn uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy and other proven theories and techniques to help her clients through their emotional pains and life challenges.

Katrina Mansinon, MSW, LCSW

Katrina holds a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, San Bernardino and is now a LCSW. She has recently opened a new office location in downtown Farmville and is available to the surrounding communities. She accepts most insurances, including Tricare, Medicare, and Medicaid. Trina works with couples, male and female adults of all ages, adolescents and children. She also occasionally facilitates groups. Prior to obtaining her master’s degree; Trina’s primary focus was in raising her four children.

Deb McPhee, LPC

Deb McPhee is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 20 years’ experience working in her community as a mental health and substance dependence recovery therapist. She received her master's degree in community mental health from Regent University, Virginia Beach.

Deb helps adults and families identify their personal strengths to persevere through their trials with confidence and hope, while offering the opportunity to include their faith in creating a plan of health, clarity, and possibilities.

Jamie Mock, LCSW, CSOTP

Jamie holds a Bachelor of Arts from East Tennessee State University in Sports Management and a Masters of Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a Richmond native, who has over ten years experience working with youth and families with a variety of mental health needs. Jamie has been licensed as a clinical social worker since 2018 and has interest in anxiety, depression, adoption issues, autism, male issues, faith (Christian) and helping clients navigate through life transitions.

Siara Stewart, LPC, M.Ed

Siara Stewart graduated with her M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lynchburg College in 2018. Siara has had ample experience with a variety of populations to include adults, adolescents and children. When working with adolescents and children, she believes through Play Therapy and non-directive approaches, children have the opportunity to process events non-verbally, allowing for a more natural flow to the therapeutic relationship. Siara has experience working with adults and children struggling with ADHD, substance abuse concerns, trauma, depression and anxiety. Siara believes strongly in person centered and cognitive behavior approaches, individualizing each therapeutic experience to the client.

Donna Westcott, LPC

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who loves helping individuals, couples, and families. I start by providing a safe environment for you to share what is on your heart. I listen without judgment and help you see what you've been doing right, what your strengths are, and how you can harness them to bring health to the areas where you are struggling.

Jackie Williams, LPC, MA

Jackie believes that loving, self acceptance, and a sense of one's calling are the basics of a healthy and fulfilling life. For those with Christian faith, she believes that seeing yourself through God's perspective and fulfilling your calling are foundational for a life of peace and joy. She enjoys working with anyone who feels the need to clean out negative beliefs about self and life and to instead embrace truthful beliefs about yourself, your life, and your future. Jackie believes that no person is so broken that they are out of God's sight, care, or reach for healing. Jackie specializes in EMDR as part of her comprehensive healing path.

Rick Wilson, PhD, LPC, LMFT

Rick is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a licensed Marriage and Family therapist. He earned his Master’s degree and Ph.D. in psychology from Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Prior to joining Resource Guidance Counselors, Rick worked as the Director of the Rapha Christian Program at Millwood Hospital. He was also a lead therapist for the Rapid Assessment and Prevention team at Dallas Metrocare Services, and has worked in several other private practice settings as well.

Pastoral Counselor

Keith Banks, Pastoral Counselor

Keith is an intern with CCA attending Walden University. He anticipates graduation from Walden University in December 2021. After graduation, Keith plans to pursue his license as a Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapist. Keith has expressed his desire to help heal families. He currently works with educational groups, couples, families, and individuals to empower and to strengthen relationships.

Rev. Nancy W. Lynch, Pastoral Counselor

Nancy is a Resident in Counseling at Christian Counseling Associates.  She has a passion for helping those who feel lost and struggling with relationship issues, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and those who do not have a voice to speak about their pain. Her active listening skills provide a safe place for individuals to describe and reveal the nature of their deepest emotional concerns. Nancy’s diverse broad life experiences and education equip her to relate to broad range of situations and provide treatment plans and interventions for both individuals, families and married couples.

Rodney Pavie, Pastoral Counselor

Having served in Pastoral Ministry since 1995, Rodney holds a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling and a Master of Divinity in Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. He is currently earning a Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling with a specialization in Traumatology, also from Liberty University.

Resident Counselors

Amy Dillingham, MA

Amy is a graduate from Liberty University with a M.A. in Professional Counseling. She works with children, teens, adults, and seniors, as well as couples and families. As a counselor, she strives to help each individual reach his/her highest potential in body, mind, and spirit using a holistic/wellness approach.

Julie Graham, MA, M Ed

Julie has completed her graduate training at Liberty University. Prior to earning her Master's in Professional Counseling, she also obtained a Master's of Education from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She has worked for over 18 years for non-profits offering services in long-term health care and community programming.

Her approaches in therapy include cognitive-behavioral, narrative, strengths-focused, and reality therapy. Some of her specific areas of interest include helping adults and adolescents who struggle with depression, anxiety, self-worth, adjustment issues, relationship challenges, codependency, and PTSD. She has experience treating ADHD, anxiety, mood disorders, and grief.

Kayla Horner, MA

Kayla is a graduate of Liberty University’s master’s program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Kayla’s passion for assisting her clients with trauma and anxiety has led her to become a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP) and a Certified Anxiety-Informed Professional (CAIP). As a resident in counseling, her goal is to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) after meeting the necessary hours required by the state of Virginia. Kayla enjoys meeting with adolescent clients (16+) as well as adult clients. She believes that the therapeutic relationship is crucial to success in counseling and will be patient as you share your story.

Phylicia Jemmott, MA

Phylicia Jemmott is a Resident in Counseling that graduated from Liberty University with her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Prior to completing her MA as well as her internship with Christian Counseling Associates, she graduated from Fort Hays State University with her BS in Psychology. Under Virginia Board of Counseling approved supervision, she meets with a variety of clientele that include children, adolescents, teens, and adults. She aids her clients navigate and cope with depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), negative thoughts/self-talk, automatic thoughts, regulating and expressing their emotions.

Lindsey Koerner, MS

Lindsey graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1997 with a M.S. in Rehabilitation Counseling. She has worked with a wide range of people with disabilities on skills of daily living, psychosocial issues, resilience, and adjustment during major life transitions. Her professional interests include working with clients experiencing the effects of traumatic brain injury and other neurological differences. More recently, Lindsey completed a Post-Master’s Certificate in Professional Counseling, with the goal of becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Henry Liscio, MA

Henry is a Resident in Counseling seeing clients under the supervision of Jen Perkinson, LPC. His style of therapy is warm and collaborative, utilizing mindfulness, client-centered, and logo therapy techniques. Over the past few years, Henry has helped kids, teens, and adults navigate anxiety, depression, adjustment, relationship conflict, and future-planning.

Beyond his experience in both group and individual counseling, Henry has served in a helping role with hundreds of individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Some of these capacities included Applied Behavioral Analysis, independent living coaching, music/reading instruction, as well life-skills psycho-education. Sessions with Henry are currently available in person (Chesterfield) or virtually.

Lauren Rowell, MA

Lauren graduated in May 2020 from Liberty University and is a Resident in Counseling. She sees clients at the Glen Allen office, the Huguenot office, the Thrive Church locations, and at Chester Baptist Church. Lauren sees individual clients and couples ranging in age from 12-90 years. Lauren plans to become a Licensed Professional Counselor once her residency is completed.

Cheryl St. Denis, MA, CT

Cheryl's mission is to live her life victoriously, as a testimony to the transforming power of Christ, using wisdom to bring healing and wholeness to others with all my ability, passion, and enthusiasm. Before pursuing a master's degree, Cheryl worked for over 12 years as a prayer counselor in her church. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Richmond and then went on to earn a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Regent University. She continually pursues the most up to date and research based tools and techniques.

Office Staff

Ila Hastings - Office Manager

lla joined Resource Guidance in the spring of 2005. She has had extensive office management and bookkeeping experience, working previously as a secretary and bookkeeper for St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Powhatan for nearly 13 years. Ila coordinates with our billing company sending all client info, payments and needed corrections or adjustments. She is responsible for bookkeeping, payroll, tax reports, record keeping needed for RGS, and is always available for questions and concerns.

Lorrie Lester, Office Assistant

Lorrie joined CCA/RGS on March 15, 2021. She attended Business College in Anniston, Alabama for Business/Office Management. Lorrie also spent a few years in Early Childhood Development as an Assistant Director and as a Lead Teacher. After much consideration Lorrie decided to come to Resource Guidance and Christian Counseling and share her leadership experience as our Office Assistant.

Pet Therapists

Dr. T Flynn, CGC

My name is Dr. T Flynn. I am a therapy dog. My trainer was Amanda Nepomuceno, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, and I am a proud recipient of the “Canine Good Citizen” award.
My off-duty activities include: chasing my sister (Lady Lee), home security surveillance, neighborhood watch program, playing ball and running in circles.
Some of my favorites are: chicken and rice and my hairstyle is “The Mr. T mohawk”. My best friend is Jackie Williams and we love to watch the movie: “Lady and the Tramp” together with Lady Lee.

Lady Lee Flynn

My name is Lady Lee Flynn and I am a therapy dog. I completed my obedience training course with Amanda Nepomuceno, Certified Professional Dog Trainer.
My off-duty activities include: chasing Mr. T (my brother), tennis ball retrieval and hiking at Robious Landing. I have developed an interest in bird watching and gecko watching. At home I enjoy supervising Mike in his woodshop.
Some of my favorites are: Dried liver treats, hanging out with my best friend: Jackie Williams, enjoying the PBS Nature Channel and Fox News Live. My favorite hair style is “Gauchos” with a trimmed face.